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This Logan Square spot is lively and, of course, sporty.

Tuesday Oct 19, 2004.     By Myrna Torres

Bars + Clubs Feed

The Art of Sports Bar
2444 W. Diversey
(773) 276-7298

Hours: 3 p.m.-2 a.m. Monday-Thursday; 2 p.m.-2 a.m. Friday; noon-3 a.m. Saturday; 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Sunday

Age: 21+

Cover: $5 donation on Sundays

Dress: Super casual; you’ll stick out like a sore thumb if you come dressed to impress.

Best way to get there: Located just east of 90/94, exit at Diversey and head east; you will find it just a few feet from Elston Avenue. Taking the CTA? Prepare to do a little walking. The Blue line’s Western stop (located at Western & Armitage) will bring you a little over a mile south, while the Brown Line’s Diversey Station is two miles east; the No. 76 Diversey bus is your best bet.

Vibe: Very lively! The party doesn’t really get rolling until 10 p.m. on weekends, but the loud music and drinks are always flowing.

Quick Tour: Very much the sports bar, you’ll find sports memorabilia covering the walls that surround. As you enter you’ll most likely pass a game of pool and a round of darts playing simultaneously. If pool or darts aren’t your game, head to the Golden Tee golf game in the back of the bar. Patrons can shell out a few quarters and control the music by picking their favorite tunes through the bar’s jukebox. If your barmate’s conversation isn’t stimulating enough, check out one of the three TVs hanging overhead. Chances are the channel will be set to something sports-related.

Crowd: The Art of Sports Bar has mostly a Latin following, but expect a diverse crowd just looking to unwind. But don’t let the unpretentious atmosphere keep you from ordering that martini or cosmopolitan. The bar staff aims to please.

Night to go: Sunday nights are NFL Ticket night (non-sports lovers beware!); stick around afterwards for live Latin jazz. For a rockin’ good time, don’t miss Wednesday night’s karaoke. If darts are your game, join one of their darts leagues, which meet every Monday night.

Claim to fame: They’re not named “Art of Sports” for nothing. Sports lovers looking for a haven from gigantic, corporate sports bars serving overpriced drinks will feel at ease here.

You’ll feel like you’re in: That neighborhood bar where everyone knows your name…and your team. If the friendly neighborhood bar is your thing, this is one place you’ll find yourself revisiting. Just about everyone who visits this bar is a regular, but even newbies are treated like a familiar face.

Music Genre: The jukebox is almost always blasting during regular hours, with a selection that runs from Marc Anthony to Eminem. If it’s popular, it will most likely play.

On the shelves: Bottles are cold and the tequila shots are rolling. Choose from a large selection of mixed drinks, go for wine or grab your favorite domestic ($3.75) or imported beers. Monday through Thursday nights boast great drink specials; it’s hard to beat Tuesday’s $3 margaritas.

Beyond on the barstool: A game of pool or a round of darts is a good way to pass the time. On Sunday nights, you can either find Joe Rendon and Friends or Evolucion Trio Plus One playing soothing Latin jazz.